Protecting Your Teeth While You Sleep: Everything You Need to Know About Night Guards

Nightguards are types of mouthguards recommended by dentists for patients with bruxism. They help protect teeth from the effects of clenching and grinding, which occur as you sleep. Read on to learn about nightguards and why you should visit the nightguard clinic near you.

Types of Night Guards

There are two main types of nightguards in Auburn, AL, over-the-counter and custom-fitted.

• • Over-the-counter night guards

These types of teeth guards are obtained from pharmacies or supermarkets. Some are pre-formed and ready for use, while others are inserted in hot water before use. However, over-the-counter night guards can be bulky and uncomfortable. As a result, they are ineffective in protecting your teeth and countering the effects of bruxism.

• • Custom-fitted night guards

These nightguards are made in a dental lab tailored to the needs of individual patients. The dentist in Auburn, AL, takes precise teeth measurements. They may use traditional moulds or take 3D scans.

The images or impressions will help them create a custom-made nightguard. As a result, your protective device will be tailored according to your needs. In addition, it will fit perfectly and comfortably in your mouth and last a long time. There are different types of custom-made night guards, including the following:

• Soft: These nightguards are fabricated from flexible, rubbery and soft plastic materials. They are recommended for patients with moderate or light bruxism. Although the guards are comfortable, they have a short lifespan due to the soft plastics used.
• Hard: They are suitable for people with severe case of bruxism. The dental experts custom-make them using strong acrylic or tough plastics. These materials can withstand heavy grinding or clenching.
• Hybrid or dual laminated: They consist of a soft inner core and a hard outer layer. The combination makes them suitable for treating severe bruxism. Hybrid or dual-laminated nightguards are comfortable and durable.

Proper Care and Maintenance

• Rinse your nightguard with warm water immediately after wear. Doing so removes plaque and debris, preventing an increased risk of decay or gum disease.
• Clean your guard daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a suitable cleaning solution. Do not use toothpaste because it is abrasive and may damage the device.
• Allow your nightguard to dry completely after cleaning to prevent rapid bacterial growth.
• Store your device properly and away from curious kids or pets to avoid damage or loss.
• Nightguards do not last a lifetime and wear especially fast if you are a heavy grinder. So, they must be replaced once they get cracks or holes. They should also be replaced after a dental treatment that alters the dental structure.

Benefits of Your Night Guards

Nightguards offer numerous benefits to people with bruxism. Below are the benefits to expect once you get nightguards from the dental office in Auburn, AL.

• Continuous or repetitive jaw clenching and teeth grinding wears down the tooth enamel. As a result, you will experience tooth sensitivity and become prone to decay, damage or infections. Nightguards separate the upper teeth from the lower ones and cushion them from the impact of bruxism.
• Over time, bruxism affects the jaw muscles and can trigger temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). It is characterized by headaches and neck, ear, face, and jaw pain. Severe TMD causes difficulty opening the mouth and extreme pain. Nightguards reduce tension in the jaw muscles, preventing TMD.
• Night guards protect your oral health. They prevent issues like enamel erosion, sensitivity, teeth damage and decay.
• They benefit your general well-being by preventing excessive teeth grinding and jaw clenching. As a result, your sleep will not be disrupted, nor will you disrupt your partner’s.
• Nightguards help prevent extensive dental treatments in the future. For instance, bruxism can cause your teeth to fracture or break, requiring restorative therapies.

Consult With Your Dentist

Do you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep? Then consult your dentist for a diagnosis. The expert will examine your teeth to determine if you have bruxism and its effect on your teeth. They will provide the necessary treatments and fit you with a custom-made night guard.

If you do not have a regular dentist or are looking for a new one, contact Dr. Mark Summerford at Central Park Dental Care-Auburn. We accept new clients and also cater to walk-ins.